Giesinger Brewery Seeks Oktoberfest Spot, Gathers Over 5,000 Signatures
Munich, February 28 – The Giesinger Brewery has collected more than 5,000 signatures in just one week for a citizen’s petition aiming to secure a spot at the prestigious Oktoberfest starting in 2027. This initiative, publicly launched by CEO Steffen Marx at the start of the Starkbierfest, seeks to force a citizen’s decision on the brewery’s admission to the Wiesn.
According to the brewery’s website, 5,390 signatures have been gathered since the campaign began. A brewery spokesperson indicated that they have received support from across the political spectrum. The target for the petition is approximately 40,000 signatures to trigger a binding citizen’s referendum.
The question posed for the citizen’s decision is: “Are you in favor of the state capital Munich allowing the serving of Giesinger Bräu beer at the Munich Oktoberfest from 2027 onwards?”
A Challenge to Oktoberfest Tradition
The inclusion of another brewery at Oktoberfest would be a significant development, as only six breweries have traditionally been permitted: Augustiner, Hacker Pschorr, Hofbräu, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, and Spaten. Giesinger Bräu, now officially recognized as a Munich beer due to a deep well within the city, aims to claim a share of the lucrative Oktoberfest market, citing municipal hurdles as their main obstacle.
Criticism from Oktoberfest Head
Christian Scharpf (SPD), the head of Oktoberfest, has strongly refuted these claims. He stated that the brewery could simply “submit an application, as any other Oktoberfest vendor does.” Scharpf emphasized that the city would review and evaluate such an application, but no such request has been received from Giesinger Bräu to date.
“Therefore, it is somewhat perplexing to pursue a citizen’s petition without even attempting the standard procedure that everyone else adheres to,” Scharpf remarked. He also questioned why Giesinger Bräu had not participated in smaller folk festivals or events within the city and region in previous years to gain experience and demonstrate their capabilities. “Aside from their own Starkbierfest, I have not observed such efforts,” Scharpf added.
The Path Forward for Giesinger Bräu
The brewery’s move represents a direct challenge to the long-established traditions of Oktoberfest. While they have garnered initial support, reaching the 40,000-signature threshold will require sustained effort. The outcome of this petition could potentially reshape the landscape of one of the world’s most famous beer festivals.
The debate highlights the tension between tradition and new entrants in Munich’s brewing scene, particularly in the context of the highly profitable Oktoberfest. The city’s stance suggests a preference for established procedures, while Giesinger Bräu is opting for a direct appeal to the public.
The coming months will determine whether Giesinger Bräu’s citizen’s petition gains enough traction to force a referendum and potentially break into the exclusive circle of Oktoberfest breweries.
